Fly fishing in the Midlands
“Fly fishing is a contemplative experience that embodies the truth of nature and the nature of life”
Michael Vincent Stagnitta.
Trout are not native to South Africa. Their story began in the late 19th century when British settlers sought to introduce familiar sporting fish and recreate the fly-fishing traditions they had enjoyed in Europe.
Early attempts to import trout ova (fertilised eggs) from Britain during the 1880s met with limited success due to the challenges of transporting live eggs over long distances. A breakthrough came when a committee led by Cecil Yonge, with support from Natal’s colonial government, established the first trout hatchery at Boschfontein near Balgowan in the Natal Midlands.
In 1890, thousands of brown trout (Salmo trutta) fry were successfully hatched and released into the Bushman’s, uMngeni and Mooi river systems. This marked the beginning of trout fishing in Natal and one of the earliest successful trout introductions in South Africa. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from North America followed in 1897 and adapted equally well to the region’s cold, clear waters.
The Natal Midlands quickly proved to be ideal trout habitat. Its cool climate, reliable rainfall, mountain streams and numerous farm dams allowed trout populations to flourish. By the early 1900s, self-sustaining populations had become established in many rivers, and the region had earned a reputation as one of South Africa’s premier trout-fishing destinations.
Anglers travelled by train and horse-drawn cart to fish the waters around Nottingham Road, Balgowan, Dargle, Lions River, Kamberg and the upper Mooi River. In his 1909 book Trout Fishing in Natal, Hedley Salmon famously described the area as “the angler’s paradise”.
During the 1920s and 1930s, trout fishing became firmly woven into the Midlands economy and culture. Hotels, guest farms and sporting lodges began catering specifically to visiting anglers, while angling clubs and conservation societies helped promote the sport. Inspired by British fly-fishing traditions, fishermen pursued trout using artificial flies in the region’s clear rivers, streams and dams.
Over time, trout fishing expanded beyond KwaZulu-Natal into other suitable cold-water regions, including the Drakensberg, Eastern Cape Highlands and Mpumalanga escarpment. Today, South Africa boasts a well-developed trout-fishing culture that attracts both local and international anglers.
The introduction of trout has not been without controversy. Scientists have shown that trout can affect indigenous fish species and aquatic ecosystems, prompting modern fisheries managers to balance biodiversity conservation with the economic benefits generated by trout angling. As a result, trout are now largely managed within designated waters.
More than 130 years after their introduction, trout remain an important part of South Africa’s angling heritage. Nowhere is this legacy more evident than in the Natal Midlands, where trout fishing continues to support tourism, hospitality businesses and rural communities while offering some of the country’s most celebrated fly-fishing experiences.
One of the few things I have always admired about America – albeit only through television programmes such as Home Improvement and similar shows – is its remarkable tool and outdoor stores. They seem to be far more than simple retail outlets: beautifully designed spaces with polished wooden floors, broad staircases and carefully curated displays. Every corner appears to hold another treasure, from specialised tools and fishing gear to camping equipment and outdoor apparel. There is an undeniable sense of craftsmanship and adventure about them, making them destinations in their own right rather than merely places to shop. Imagine my surprise when we came across such a place in the village of Nottingham Road! Never before have I come across such a lavish retail outlet dedicated to the sport of flyfishing.
At the turn of the century, WildFly pioneered the concept of exclusive catch-and-release fly fishing in the Natal Midlands. Established to manage local fisheries and preserve the region’s exceptional trout waters, the club has played a leading role in promoting sustainable angling practices and conservation.
In 2001, the WildFly Corporate Challenge was launched to help fund the stocking programmes essential to maintaining healthy fisheries. What began as a single competition soon evolved into one of South Africa’s premier fly-fishing events, featuring three qualifying rounds and a prestigious winter grand final. The combination of world-class fishing and the unique atmosphere of Nottingham Road has ensured its enduring popularity.
Over the years, WildFly’s conservation efforts have expanded well beyond its fisheries. The organisation now produces a television series broadcast internationally, showcasing the remarkable diversity of species that can be targeted on fly while highlighting the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.
Today, the pristine catchment waters flowing from the Drakensberg remain a vital sanctuary for trout and form the cornerstone of WildFly’s commitment to conserving South Africa’s wild fisheries for future generations.
Located in Gowrie Village, Nottingham Road, WildFly is a one-stop destination for fly anglers, offering quality tackle and equipment, locally tied flies designed for Midlands waters, fishing permits, guided experiences, expert advice on nearby rivers and dams, and membership options for both visitors and regular anglers.
Ian Georgeson (Cross Country Insurance Company’s CEO) browsing in WildFly.
If you find yourself in the area, be sure to pop into WildFly. The beautifully curated store is a destination in its own right, offering far more than just fishing tackle. Alongside an impressive selection of rods, reels and flies, you’ll discover quality outdoor clothing, a superb collection of books on birds and nature, stylish sunglasses, pocket flasks for those frosty Midlands mornings, knives and practical travel luggage. Elegantly presented and filled with intriguing treasures at every turn, it’s the sort of place where even non-anglers can happily lose track of time browsing the shelves.
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
INFO BLOCK:
WILDFLY
Address: 1 Heather Lane, Gowrie Village, Nottingham Road, KwaZulu-Natal
Tel: +27 81 094 4367
Trading hours: Generally 08:00–16:00 weekdays, with extended hours on some weekends and public holidays.
https://wildfly.co.za
